Visionary Colombian church leaders Bishop Nel Beltran, Father Rafael Castillo and Mennonite leader Ricardo Esquivia will talk about the challenges of working for peace and development in zones of conflict, and will share their work to address these issues in one of Colombia?s most conflictive regions, Montes de María. The Network for Development and Peace Foundation has created an innovative model for protecting civilian lives and addressing the economic root causes of the internal armed conflict in Colombia. Through active ecumenical collaboration, the Foundation has built a strong network of civil society, business, academic, and governmental groups involved in strengthening local organizing efforts, building human capacity, rebuilding social relationships, strengthening democratic participation, and promoting sustainable economic development. At a time when many argue that adequate security conditions are a precondition for economic and social development, the Foundation model provides a viable alternative for addressing Colombia?s humanitarian crisis NOW!

The tour is being sponsored by the U.S. Office on Colombia, Catholic Relief Services, Lutheran World Relief, United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries and Wider Church Ministries, Church World Services, and the Mennonite Central Committee